Justice for Raygun: Outrage over baboon killing by schoolchildren! The brutal killing of a baboon named Raygun by schoolchildren at Botleng Secondary School in Delmas, Mpumalanga, has sparked national outrage, leading to widespread condemnation and an online petition demanding justice for the slain primate.
Raygun, a charismatic and beloved baboon, had gained the affection of Pretoria East residents after being spotted roaming the area. Local wildlife organisations, working together with residents, safely relocated him to the Zwavelpoort Valley near Olympus, east of Pretoria. However, the celebration of his safe return to nature was tragically short-lived when he escaped and made his way to Delmas, where he met a horrific end.
Raygun’s Journey: From Pretoria to Delmas
Raygun’s adventurous journey through Pretoria had captured the hearts of many. Wildlife rescue groups, including the Owl Rescue Centre, the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, and the Pretoria East Joint Operations Centre, worked tirelessly to ensure his safe relocation.
For a while, it seemed as though Raygun was finally safe in an area suited for his survival. The baboon had managed to navigate through urban areas, suburbs, and industrial zones, eventually reaching agricultural farmlands and game reserves—places believed to be safer for him.
Unfortunately, Raygun wandered off-course, traveling 40km further than expected, which led him to Botleng Secondary School in Delmas.
A Shocking Act of Cruelty
On the school rooftop, Raygun was spotted by students, who brutally attacked him. In a sickening act of cruelty, the children stoned and kicked the baboon, before tying him up with wire, placing car tyres around his body, and setting him on fire.
“He burnt to death,” said a devastated spokesperson from the Owl Rescue Centre, confirming that Raygun’s remains were buried on Saturday under a Marula tree.
The barbaric nature of the attack has left animal welfare organisations, activists, and the public horrified, with many demanding swift action against those responsible.
Public Outcry and Demand for Justice
Raygun’s senseless killing has triggered outrage across social media, with many calling for immediate accountability. An online petition seeking justice for Raygun has gained significant traction, collecting over 1,926 signatures by Sunday, with a goal of reaching 2,500 signatures.
The petition, started by Dr Tristán Kapp, calls for strict action against animal cruelty in schools and demands that Botleng Secondary School be held accountable for allowing such a gruesome incident to take place on its premises.
“This act of cruelty not only reflects on the individuals involved but also raises serious concerns about the school’s oversight and responsibility in preventing such behaviour,” the petition states.
Demands for Accountability and Education
Petitioners are urging the school administration to conduct a thorough investigation to determine how such a horrific act could have happened on school grounds.
The petition further demands that the school:
- Implement strict policies against animal cruelty
- Educate students on wildlife conservation and ethical treatment of animals
- Work with animal welfare organisations to promote compassion towards animals
“Seeking justice for Raygun goes beyond addressing the individual act of cruelty; it is also about holding the Department of Basic Education accountable for upholding values of compassion within schools,” the petition states.
Authorities and Animal Welfare Groups Respond
Despite the overwhelming backlash, the Mpumalanga Department of Education has not yet responded to requests for comment.
However, the Tshwane SPCA has expressed deep sadness, confirming that the matter has been escalated to the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA), since the killing took place outside the Tshwane district.
The Owl Rescue Centre, which played a major role in relocating Raygun, expressed deep regret over his fate.
“A few days ago, we posted an update on the location of Raygun. He had safely navigated his way through Pretoria and had finally reached an area full of crop farms and game reserves. He was, in our opinion, in safe territory,” the organisation said.
However, his tragic detour into Delmas led to his brutal murder at the hands of schoolchildren, a shocking event that has left animal welfare advocates shaken.
A Call for Change
The horrifying treatment of Raygun has ignited wider discussions on the importance of ethical treatment of animals and the role of education in preventing cruelty.
Animal welfare groups believe that educating young people about respecting wildlife and the legal consequences of animal abuse is critical to preventing similar incidents in the future.
The case has also raised concerns about the lack of oversight in schools, with many questioning why the administration failed to intervene while a brutal act was being carried out on its premises.
Conclusion
Raygun’s tragic death has deeply affected South Africans, with many demanding justice for the slain baboon. His horrific killing has become a symbol of the urgent need for change, both in how society treats animals and in how schools educate children about compassion and ethical behaviour.
As the petition for justice gains momentum, animal welfare organisations continue to push for accountability, education, and stronger laws against cruelty. The death of Raygun must not be in vain—it should serve as a wake-up call for the country to take animal rights more seriously.